Extended Use of Injectable Contraceptives Associated with Increased Brain Tumor Risk

Recent research from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and Cleveland Clinic has revealed a potential link between prolonged use of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA), a common injectable contraceptive, and a higher risk of developing meningiomas—non-cancerous brain tumors that make up about 40% of primary brain tumors in the United States. The study analyzed data from a large U.S. health database, including over 61 million women, and found that women who used DMPA for more than four years or initiated use after age 31 had significantly increased risks of brain tumor diagnosis.

Meningiomas tend to occur more frequently in women, which has led scientists to explore hormonal influences as a potential factor. DMPA is a progestin-based contraceptive used not only for birth control but also for treating abnormal uterine bleeding and endometriosis. Previous studies noted hormone receptor presence in meningiomas, with some reports indicating a relationship between hormone exposure and tumor development.

The study, published in JAMA Neurology, employed a retrospective cohort design using data from TriNetX, a network that gathers health records from multiple U.S. healthcare organizations. Among the participants, women who used DMPA exhibited a 143% higher risk of being diagnosed with meningioma compared to women who did not use hormonal contraceptives. The risk surged to 200% after four to six years of use and was nearly 290% higher after more than six years.

Age at initiation also played a role; women starting DMPA between 31 and 40 years old had a 277% increased risk, while those beginning after age 50 had a 220% increased risk. In contrast, other contraceptive methods, including oral progestins, IUDs, and hormonal implants, did not show a similar increased risk, with some methods associated with a slight decrease in risk.

These findings suggest that prolonged DMPA use, especially when started later in life, may contribute to meningioma development. Healthcare providers should consider these risks when discussing contraceptive options, particularly for women planning long-term use. The research highlights the importance of understanding hormonal influences on brain tumor risks and warrants further investigation into the biological mechanisms involved.